Happy Returns: The Secret Way I Get Free Coupons When I Do Returns

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The worst part about online shopping is the returns. And I’m not talking about returning something to Target or Amazon, where the return policies are pretty cut and dry. It’s the online-only brands like Gymshark, Venus, and Tommy John that create some stress for me. If I don’t like what I buy, just how many trips to the post office am I going to have to make?

I recently found out about this site called Happy Returns, and I’m never looking back. Happy Returns lets you drop off your online returns at totally unrelated stores like Ulta, Staples, or World Market — and in return, you get to collect a sweet discount to use in-store that same day.

It may sound confusing, but it’s legit. If you’ve ever made an Amazon return at Kohl’s and gotten a Kohl’s coupon out of the deal, it works the same way. Except with Happy Returns, you can return items from hundreds of retailers at a variety of stores. You can even choose which Return Bar location to use based on which store discount you want!

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to get the most out of your next return using Happy Returns instead of the post office.

For more smart shopping tips and savings hacks, text HACKS to 57299.

Happy Returns lets you return items from online stores like Fabletics, Gymshark, and Venus to completely unrelated stores.

Happy Return truck being loaded with boxes by an Employee

If you dread making online returns at the post office, listen up: Happy Returns makes the whole process easier and actually gives you something for your trouble.

The Happy Returns company works with tons of popular online retailers, including brands like Allbirds, Everlane, Fabletics, Gymshark, Levi, ModCloth, Princess Polly, Revolve, and Venus. You can see the full list of participating retailers on their website, or below in Tip #7.

The whole process begins with a QR code that you get when you start the returns process online. With that QR code in hand — and the item(s) you’re returning — you’ll visit a Return Bar location near you to drop off your order. And depending on where you do the dropoff, you’ll get discounts like 10% off at World Market, $5 off a $15 purchase at Ulta, or $10 off a $30 purchase at Staples.

Let’s go over the process step by step:

1. To start the process, first request a Happy Returns QR code.

You can get a Happy Returns QR code in one of two ways:

Visit the Happy Returns website, then select the black text box in the upper right corner that says “Start a Return & Get a QR Code.” Enter the name of the store you want to process a return for, or scroll through the full list of participating stores.
Visit the website where you made your purchase, and choose the option for Happy Returns. (For example, here is the Happy Returns page for Revolve.)

Both options will require an order number from your original purchase and your ZIP code.

TIP: For more sneaky hacks on how to get the best discounts at retailers you love, download the Krazy Coupon Lady app.

2. Choose where you want to complete your return, based on the store discount you want.

Happy Returns phone mock-up shows Fed-Ex locations

Here’s where the “hack” aspect of Happy Returns really comes into play.

Once you have your QR code, use the Happy Returns location finder to find a dropoff location (they call them “Return Bars”) near you. Just stick in your ZIP code to see a list of locations — it’ll be familiar places like Best Buy, FedEx, GameStop, and Ulta Beauty.

Now, while you could just pick the closest location, you might pick a Return Bar based on the discount they’re offering.

For example, if you choose to use the Return Bar at Ulta, they’ll give you $5 off your next $15 purchase. At Staples, it’s $10 off your next purchase of $30 or more. And Cost Plus World Market offers 10% off your next purchase when you use their Happy Returns Return Bar.

Here are some stores that may accept Happy Returns, and the discounts you can often find there:

Best Buy — No current offer; you’ll have to use Best Buy hacks
Cost Plus World Market — 10% off a purchase
FedEx Office — No current offer
GameStop — $10 off a purchase
Hibbett Sports — 10% off a purchase
Petco — $10 off a purchase of $40 or more
Staples — $10 off a purchase of $30 or more
Ulta Beauty — $5 off a purchase of $15 or more

TIP: Some malls also participate in the Happy Returns program. The Return Bar location is typically at the Customer Service or Concierge desk.

3. You don’t need to have packaging or labels to make a return.

Hand holding a phone that show the items return on platform Happy Return

Do you need to bring a shipping box? No! What about a return label? Nope. How about that plastic bag with the barcode an item came in? Absolutely not!

Just bring the item you want to return (tags included) to the Return Bar location along with the associated QR code. That’s it. The store will then package everything up in reusable totes to reduce shipping waste.

4. Expect your return to take about 30 seconds, and your refund will start processing immediately.

Once they scan your QR code and you hand over your items to return, Happy Returns will start processing your return. But the refund may take 3 – 5 business days to complete, depending on the method of payment you used.

For some retailers, gift card refunds and store credit may be available immediately.

5. Don’t forget to grab the store’s coupon after you finish your return.

Customer talking to an Employee with a Happy Return sign on the counter

After your QR code gets scanned by the store employee, be sure to grab the store’s coupon!

The coupon should just be given to you as part of the returns process because they want you to use it to shop while you’re still in their store. That’s why stores like Ulta and GameStop participate in Happy Returns in the first place.